Katsumata Electric Works Co., Ltd.

Company overview

Katsumata Electric Works Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive switchboard manufacturer that has been in business for over 100 years. President Katsumata comments: "I think many people hear the terms switchboard, control panel, and distribution board for the first time and think nothing of them, but these are devices that transform transmitted power and that make electricity 'usable.' They are the 'engines' that run every facility, including homes, offices, and commercial facilities." The company's main customers are major companies in finance, broadcasting, and manufacturing, etc., but "The demands of each company are different, and general-purpose products cannot be used for everyone. In addition, there are many customers that cannot afford to compromise because they cannot afford to have any accidents." For such customers, the company provides reliable technical capabilities and services that can be consistently performed, from design and manufacturing to maintenance. In addition, because the head office and factory are located within Tokyo's Yamanote Line, the company is close to its customers, and this is appealing from the aspect of being able to respond promptly and politely to requests. Furthermore, the company is developing products that combine software and hardware in response to the sophistication of infrastructure utilizing AI and IoT. Mr. Uranzeb, who is from Mongolia and who joined the company because of an internship, says: "I used to develop AI robots when I was a student, but now I am learning about Katsutmata's technology and am looking forward to developing new products. I hope to contribute to my home country in the future."

Work-life balance initiatives

Regarding the creation of an environment for "ease of work" at the company, President Katsumata says: "We are constantly listening to the voices of the workplace and are continuing to make honest improvements one by one while incorporating the ideas of our employees." When Katsumata became president 10 years ago, he felt a sense of crisis about the gap between the work environment and the systems used during his previous career as an SE. Therefore, in order to create an environment where everyone is excited to work, the company now conducts an annual questionnaire for all employees regarding work so as to improve by facing up to the honest opinions of employees. The contents range from uniforms to the remodeling of cafeterias and offices, the maintenance of attendance management, such as transfer holidays and overtime, and even to activities to improve mental health. Mr. Takahashi, who has been in the company for 10 years, experienced the transition first-hand, saying: "I am surprised at the changes in the office environment since I joined the company." President Katsumata says: "In addition to taking questionnaires, I try to listen to problems and requests as much as possible while chatting with employees. Creating an environment that is 'easy to work' in is like product development because even when you come a long way, you're still not at the end."

Human resource development initiatives

Regarding human resources development, President Katsumata says: "In order to provide high-quality services, the entire company is working as one to develop young people." The company has been focusing on inheriting the technical capabilities of the skilled engineers that have supported the company's history and on acquiring professional qualifications. Especially regarding the acquisition of qualifications, in addition to an incentive system, the company sets out study time during work hours, and employees receive thorough practical training from superiors in anticipation of skill tests. As a result, the company has achieved solid results, such as in producing a large number of successful applicants in difficult skill tests. President Katsumata comments: “As products become more sophisticated, the key to successful product development is for software development and technology departments to cross the boundaries of their respective domains and to cooperate more than ever before.” For this reason, the company has also been focusing on improving the personal skills of each employee, such as communication and leadership, and many of its employees are actively participating in various external courses. Recently, because one staff member, Mr. Uranzeb, had a hard time when joining the company because he didn't know a technical term in his mother tongue, the company is working on his idea of creating a business manual for subordinates of foreign nationality that are scheduled to join the company this year.

Message from our top executive

President and Representative Director Akihiro Katsumata

Although the company has a history of 100 years, it will continue to focus on its unique strengths rather than on the scale or size of sales. To that end, the company aims to take on challenges that other companies pass up on while working on technological improvements on a daily basis, without depending on its own history to date. The company eagerly anticipates job applications from those with a similar mindset.

Message from foreign talent

Design and development/Tsogbadrakh Uranzev(Mongolia)

As electrical equipment in Mongolia is still a new industry, I joined the company because I wanted to know more about how I can contribute to my home country in the future if I were to study Katsumata's advanced technology. Japan is full of opportunities to learn techniques and skills that can contribute to one's home country. Even in young fields other than what I learned at school, superiors at Katsumata provide me with instruction kindly and politely. Therefore, the company feels that it would be attractive to those that want to grow together with the company while learning about Japanese technology.